First woman leads airstrikes in Iraq

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The first woman leading combat airstrikes against ISIS is causing so much controversy. Maj. Mariam Al Mansouri could be ISIS’ worst enemy. She has been highly trained for leading a pilot combat against ISIS.

The UAE has joined the United States and other Arab nations in conducting airstrikes against ISIS in Syria. This summer, the terrorist group announced the establishment of a caliphate; an Islamic state standing all over the territory that have been conquered in Syria and Iraq. Strict rules have been setup for women; who are lashed for infractions such as not being fully covered.

CNN spoke to Al Mansouri earlier this year about her work. She had wanted to be a fighter pilot since she finished high school but had to wait until women were allowed.

“We are in a hot area so that we have to prepare every citizen,” Al Mansouri said. “Of course, everybody is responsible of defending their country — male or female. When the time will come, everybody will jump in.”

I feel proud of this woman and can totally say that being a woman or man has nothing to do with leading a war. It is also good to see that the United States is not the only democratic country in this fight.